First Come the Zebra

By Lynne Barasch
Paperback: $12.95

The story of two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, who find a way to overcome their traditional rivalries and become friends.

Description

One day when Abaani, a Maasai boy, takes his family’s cattle out to graze, he is surprised to see a Kikuyu boy, Haki, tending a new fruit and vegetable stall alongside the road. The boys know of the traditional conflicts between the Maasai and the Kikuyu. They take an immediate dislike to each other.

A short while later, as customers surround Haki’s stall, a dangerous situation suddenly arises. Abaani calls to Haki, and together they act quickly. Little do the boys know they have also taken the first step in overcoming their differences and forging a path to friendship.

Framed by the annual great migration of animals to Kenya, First Come the Zebra looks beyond current conflicts toward the hope for peaceful coexistence. This appealing story is an encouraging tribute to the potential of today’s youth to make a difference in the world.

Lynne Barasch was inspired to write First Come the Zebra by the beauty of the land and people of Kenya, which she visited in 2007.

About the Creators

Lynne Barasch

Lynne Barasch has written and illustrated several award-winning books for children, including Knockin' on Wood, Hiromi's Hands, and First Come the Zebra, all three published by Lee & Low Books; and Radio Rescue, an ALA Notable Children’s Book and Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist selection. Barasch and her husband live in New York City. To find out more about Lynne Barasch, visit LynneBarasch.com.

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Horace Mann Upstanders Children's Literature Award Honor

    Antioch University

Reviews

  • "Heartfelt storytelling and strong research combine to offer a universal message with a unique setting. The clear, light-filled illustrations are expressive and create a sense of place. A lovely, hopeful story that manages to convey its message with minimal didacticism."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Younger children will enjoy the story of friendship, older children will see the larger issues of cooperation and empathy. An excellent book for introducing social, economic, and environmental issues, and how they go hand in hand."

    - The Bloomsbury Review
  • "Thought-provoking . . . serves as an accessible exploration of the concept of tribal disputes and more general themes of friendship and conflict resolution. A nice choice for classroom use and home reading."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Barasch successfully dramatizes a real-life conflict between the Kikuyu and Masai peoples in Kenya, by telling the story of two boys. Abaani, a Masai herder, and Haki, a Kikuyu whose family are farmers, immediately begin fighting when they first meet. Things escalate until a baby wanders into danger and they both help in the rescue. The scenes are simply drawn, and the resolution feels hopeful and realistic; endnotes provide helpful context."

    - The New York Times
  • "Not lacking in drama or human interest. The writing is straightforward, the parallel with the animals is effective, and the ink-and-watercolor illustrations portray the Kenyan countryside with grace and the characters with empathy."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620140291
  • Price $12.95
  • Publication Date Jul 01, 2005
  • Trim Size 9.5 × 10 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 979
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600603655
  • Price $18.95
  • Publication Date Jul 01, 2005
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 979
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Friendship
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / Africa
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Animal / Biodiversity / Plant Adaptations, Animals, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Conflict resolution, Cultural Diversity, Discrimination, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Food, Forgiveness, Friendship, Games / Toys, Gratitude, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Neighbors, Overcoming Obstacles, Realistic Fiction, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation, Sharing & Giving, Similarities and Differences, War
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading Q
  • ATOS Book Level 3.9
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 600
  • Lexile Measurement AD600L
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • SRC 2.4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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